Drug Class Description
Pancreatic enzymes.

Generic Name
Pancreatin

Drug Description
Each capsule contains:Lipase 10,000 PhEur unitsAmylase 8,000 PhEur unitsProtease 600 PhEur units

Presentation
Brown/clear capsules containing gastro-resistant granules.

Indications
For the treatment of pancreatic exocrine insufficiency.

Adult Dosage
Adults (including the elderly) and children:Initially one to two capsules with each meal. Dose increases, if required, should be added slowly, with careful monitoring of response and symptomatology.It is important to ensure adequate hydration of patients at all times whilst dosing Creon.The capsules can be swallowed whole, or for ease of administration they may be opened and the granules taken with fluid or soft food, but without chewing. If the granules are mixed with food it is important that they are taken immediately, otherwise dissolution of the enteric coating may result.Colonic damage has been reported in patients with cystic fibrosis taking in excess of 10,000 units of lipase/kg/day.

Child Dosage
As for adults.

Contra Indications
Early stages of acute pancreatitis. Hypersensitivity to porcine proteins.

Special Precautions
The product is of porcine origin.Oral medications should not be administered during the early stages of acute pancreatitis

Adverse Reactions
Diarrhoea, constipation, gastric discomfort, nausea and skin reactions have been reported occasionally in patients receiving enzyme replacement therapy.Rarely cases of hyper-uricosuria and hyper-uricaemia have been reported with very high doses of pancreatin.Stricture of the ileo-caecum and large bowel and colitis has been reported in children with cystic fibrosis taking high doses of pancreatic enzyme supplements. To date, Creon has not been implicated in the development of colonic damage. However, unusual abdominal symptoms or changes in abdominal symptoms should be reviewed to exclude the possibility of colonic damage - especially if the patient is taking in excess of 10,000 units of lipase/kg/day.

Manufacturer
Solvay

Drug Availability
(P)

Updated
05 May 2009